Calne Mayors Project

All the way back in 2020, I began what I anticipated would be a short project of writing up a brief summary of each mayor.

I asked for assistance on the Calne in Photographs group and offered to provide the text for free when it was complete.

However, the more I researched, the more I discovered just how entwined the mayor's of Calne were in the developments of the time, such as the railway and the construction of the new town hall. In addition, national events were noted and reacted to, such as the assassination attempts on Queen Victoria. 

This, along with life getting in the way, as significantly delayed and expanded this project. I made the decision to restrict this volume to A History of the Calne Town Mayors between 1836 – 1886, the inception of the mayor model in the town to the opening of the town hall.

The following document is the text for each of the mayors during this time. I intend to publish an illustrated version in 2026, the 140th anniversary of the town hall. This version will include a detailed history of the town hall from project initiation to modern day use.

Until then, I hope you will enjoy this free version:

Download

Deputy Mayor Update: October 2025 - Policy, Priestley250, and Play

While still hectic with meetings, it has been a quiet month with regard to civic events, which has given me time to begin conversations regarding IT-related policies and take part in drafting policies that will come to Council in the near future.

Sue Peskett describing the community quilt project.

Priestley250 Community Quilt
A standout moment of the month was introducing Sue Peskett before her inspiring presentation on the Priestley250 community quilt—a stunning testament to intergenerational collaboration. Crafted by more than 100 community members, the quilt beautifully weaves together stories, ages (from 11 to 91), and artistry from across Calne.

In support of Priestley250, I’ve gathered the project’s highlights on a dedicated page at the Calne Heritage Centre website. It includes reflections, resources, and a commemorative brochure that captures the heart of this community-led celebration.

You can visit the page and download the brochure here:

https://www.calneheritage.co.uk/p/priestley250.html

Ninja Trail

In exciting news, the Council achieved the necessary planning permission to enable the construction of the ninja trail that I originally suggested back in April 2025.

This was in reaction to the devastating response and lack of support from the water company regarding the splash pad that was desperately wanted by the community. The idea was received well at the Outdoor Spaces Working Group, which I have chaired since 2021 and progressed relatively quickly with a couple of different design concepts considered before we went to tender and the subsequent processes involved.

Thanks and much appreciation goes to the councillors, past and present, who supported the vision for a ‘destination’ play area in Calne, and who dedicated long hours in meetings to help shape the design, along with the staff and officers that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this project to the point of construction. It will be exciting to see the development of this play area as it progresses through construction to opening.

Place names of Calne: Heritage Quarter

Information Board outside of Calne Heritage Centre.

Calne's Heritage Quarter is a tourism project by the volunteer-led tourism group, Calne Our Place. The project celebrates Calne's historic character and charm.

A series of six information boards have been installed around the town that outline site specific information, historical photographs, and a map that shows the area of the Heritage Quarter, the blue plaques, and other key places.

Map locations are: Calne Heritage Centre, The Green, within bus shelters at, High Street, The Pippin, and both sides of The Strand.

It is well worth walking around the town and reading the information on these boards.